toward

Etymology

From Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard, equivalent to to + -ward.

prep

1. In the direction of.
   She moved toward the door.
   China has claimed that South Korea’s dust flies toward Shanghai. Audio (US) (file) 2019, VOA Learning English (public domain)
2. In relation to (someone or something).
   What are your feelings toward him?
3. For the purpose of attaining (an aim).
   I'm saving money toward retirement.
4. Located close to; near (a time or place).
   Our place is over toward the station.
   January 8, 1723, Jonathan Swift, letter to John Gay I am toward nine years older since I left you.

adj

1. Yielding, pliant; docile; ready or apt to learn; not froward.
2. (obsolete) Future; to-come.
3. (dated) Approaching, coming near; impending; present, at hand.
4. (obsolete or archaic) Promising, likely.